Creating a Generic Function

You can create a functional feature that allows the selection of external geometry and to which a functional behavior can be associated.

This task shows you how to:

Before you begin: Insert a surfacic functional set.
See Also
Defining Functional Properties

Select the Main Inputs

You can select the external geometries to create the generic function.

  1. From the Design section of the action bar, click Generic Function .
    The Generic Function Definition dialog box is displayed.
    Tip: This dialog box is interactive: it is dynamically updated each time you modify an option to represent how the chosen options will influence the result. The blue star near the option name means that it is a mandatory input.
  2. Select the external geometry. It can be:
    • A non-closable surface: it means a surface that cannot be easily closed (with non-planar openings). In this case, an additional orientation is needed to select the side to keep,
    • A closable surface: it means a closed surface or an open surface with planar openings,
    • A Generative Shape Design volume,
    • A solid (for example a body),
    • A live shape feature.
  3. Optional: Select the Clearance check box, click the value and define the clearance in the Clearance dialog box.
    The clearance is an offset between the external geometry and the surface.
    Without clearance

    With clearance

  4. Select the Consider Thickness check box to avoid the overlapping between the resulting functional surface and the selected external geometry.
  5. Select the Intersection Fillet check box to create a constant fillet at the intersection between the function contribution and the functional context where it contributes.
    Without intersection fillet

    With an intersection fillet

  6. Click OK to create the generic function.
    The element (identified as Generic Function) is added to the tree.

Create and Edit Volumes using Natural Shape

You can use Natural Shape to create volumes on the fly while creating a generic function.

  1. In the Generic Function Definition dialog box, select the required main inputs.
  2. Right-click anywhere in the work area and select Create Natural Shape Feature.

    You can also right-click External Geometry in the interactive image within the dialog box to select Create Natural Shape Feature.

    The Generic Function Definition dialog box disappears. You now navigate into the Natural Shape app.
  3. Create the required volume on the fly.
  4. Click to navigate back to the Functional Shape Design work area.
    The Generic Function Definition dialog box reappears.
  5. Click OK.
    A Natural Shape.x node is created in the tree, under the Body.x node. A Generic Function (Protected Zone).x node is created under the Main Functional Set.x node.
  6. Double-click the Generic Function (Protected Zone).x node.
    The Generic Function Definition dialog box reappears.
  7. Right-click External Geometry in the interactive image within the dialog box and select Edit Natural Shape.x.
    The Generic Function Definition dialog box disappears. You now re-enter the Natural Shape app.
  8. Edit the feature as required.
  9. Click to navigate back to the Functional Shape Design work area.
    The Generic Function Definition dialog box reappears.
  10. Click OK.
    The feature is edited.

Notes:
  • Deleting the Main Functional Set.x, or Generic Function (Protected Zone).x from the tree does not effect Body.x, or Natural Shape.x.
  • After validation of the surfacic content of the design, it is required to hide the body created using Natural Shape.